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Wednesday, 2 March 2011

The past week was all about finding a new house. Housing in Japan is extremely expensive, specially in Tokyo. So, most houses that could suit a garden are way too far from my budget. It was a very big and tiring quest. Finally, after seeing more than 20 different houses, there is one that works perfectly. It is big enough, and it has a nice morning and midday sunlight, just perfect for growing a nice garden.

My little balcony garden in November 2010

I found that the hardest part was finding one that has good sunlight. Most cheap apartments are facing north or are buried deep at the bottom of a group of skyscrapers. Getting one with a big balcony was very troublesome too. Most apartments doesn't even have a balcony, just a little edge to maybe put some plants. There was no way I could fit all my plants in there.

My little balcony garden in December 2010

Luckily the new apartment has everything I need. Is definitely better over all. Bigger, newer and more convenient. And, Is right in the middle of Tokyo, so no more one hour commute. But, there are some things I will miss. The new place is on a second floor, so no more sky rise view, and no more nice sunset, although I will probably will get a nice sunrise, but I don't think I will be awake for that (summer sunrise is around 4am). Also, no more having the garden center 5 minutes away, which, by the way, reminds me that I need to find where to get plants at the new place.

My little balcony garden in January 2011

Hopefully the trade off will be good, being closer to the ground I might get more visits from butterflies and bees; I hardly get any all the way up here. And the bigger balcony is always welcomed. Of course, since I will have more space now, it just means one thing. I will probably will go on a plant shopping spree to fill every spot, and be complaining about not having enough room for more plants very soon. But what else could I do? Not get any more plants? Impossible!

I will miss this sunset

30 comments:

Finding room for plants in a larger city is always challenging. I hope you and your plants enjoy the new place. I never really thought about not getting butterflies because of being in a highrise. I would miss not seeing them in the summer.

That last photo is gorgeous, and to think that it was taken from a balcony!! i can't believe how many plants you fit into your little space...but gardening is good for the soul so I understand why you can't stop :)

Another plus to your new garden is that more people can enjoy it, the flowers and the smells and you may even encourage some new people to take up your hobby. (I hope though it's not too noisy)

Fer, your enthusiasm for gardening always makes it a pleasure to visit your blog. I'm happy for you that you no longer have the one hour commute...more time for gardening. The prospect of seeing more bees and butterflies is exciting. The sunset photo really does need to be framed and displayed where you can enjoy it. It's simply gorgeous. Stunning.

Cheers for you Fer to have found that 'perfect' new home for yourself and your plants! Hope all of you have many many more happy moments together and more new plants to grace your new balcony too! Happy moving!

Fer, Congratulations on your new home. I hope your plants will love it too. I hate moving. We lived in one home for 18 years and moved to the Garden Spot two years ago. I am still trying to adjust. The worst part was leaving behind a beautiful garden and my cherished plants. At least you can take yours along. Looking forward to see how your life in Tokyo goes. Love that last photo!

Congratulations Fer! Are you still in Yokohama? How will you transfer your plants? Funny, I am more worried about your plants than the furniture. More space is a very good excuse to go out and buy plants and seeds. I hope there is a garden center nearby that is as big as the previous one you posted about.

Congrats on finding a new place! I stayed in Japan for a while before so I do understand how difficult it is to find a suitable place! Your balcony is amazing and I do like that picture with the sunset very much!

BTW Fer, I've passed on an award to you for your blog. Pls do see this post for more details..http://openkitchenconcept.blogspot.com/2011/02/award-part-1.html

Congratulations on your new home! Very exciting to be in a new space.(And I certainly understand the difficulty of housing in Japan.)Take care, and imagine me dropping by with a housewarming gift;-))Alice

Congratulations on the new apartment. It is a shame that you will lose the nice sunset. Perhaps a small chair on the new balcony to enjoy the outside - no plants on the chair ! You could maybe hang some plants instead or put out a multi-shelved unit to accommodate the overflow.

Hi Fer,How are things going where you are? I can't remember whether you are moved in yet. I had to come here to see if you were moving to Mexico. I see it's just a trip. Are you in Mexico or Japan right now?

I hope you are safe. Please let us know how you are doing. I'm sorry about the horrible earthquake and tsunami. I've been at work, and have not been able to hear much of the news coverage, but CNN is on while I'm on my lunch break. It doesn't sound so good.